Indian intelligence agencies have been informed that Umar Khalifa, commander of Harkat-Ul-Mujahideen in Kashmir, has announced his exit from the outfit and pledged allegiance to Islamic State.

In audio and text message posted on Telegram channels, Khalifa aka Ishfaq Ahmed Sofi also denounced the ISI calling them as Murtad (apostate). He has accused the ISI of threatening his family and demanding ransom for his exit.

While the development is being seen as a setback to Pakistan and ISI, it is also expected to have significant impact on the war against jihad in Kashmir as it could further bolster the presence of IS in the valley, sources said. Read More